Conclusion – Lessons for Theory and for Action to Resolve Identity Conflicts

Abstract

Mediation is the intervention of choice to resolve the intractable identity conflict in the Southern Philippines. The resolution of this 40-year old conflict was long overdue, when the earliest attempt in 1976, the Tripoli Agreement, was achieved. It was due in March 25, 1977, when President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos initiated the “Presidential Proclamation Nr. 1628”, which formed the “Autonomous Region in Southern Philippines.” It was due in 1986, when the regime of the dictator Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was toppled through a popular revolt. It was due in August 1, 1989, when President Corazon Cojuanco Aquino created the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by virtue of Republic Act No, 6734. It was due in September 2, 1996, when the government under President Fidel Valdez Ramos and the Moro National Liberation Front signed the Final Peace Agreement. It is due, when the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed between the MILF and the Philippine government. However, history shows the contrary. For more than 40 years now, peace still seems to be unattainable. It seems the time will never be ripe for peace in the Philippines.